Thousands of students and young job seekers gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday as a nationwide protest over alleged examination irregularities, paper leaks, and unemployment entered its 25th consecutive day. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sweeping reforms to India’s examination and recruitment systems.
The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has evolved into one of the largest youth-led movements in India in recent years. Organizers say millions of students have been affected by alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET and other recruitment tests, leaving many frustrated about their education and employment prospects.
More than 10,000 protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar before many attempted to march toward Parliament. Police erected barricades to prevent the march, and clashes broke out in some areas. Authorities used tear gas and batons to disperse sections of the crowd, while several protesters and police personnel were reported injured. Security was tightened across central Delhi, and 16 Delhi Metro stations were temporarily closed or affected as a precaution.
The demonstrations have drawn support from opposition parties, student organizations, activists, and public figures, increasing political pressure on the central government. Protest leaders insist they will continue their agitation until their demands—including greater transparency in examinations, accountability for paper leaks, and the education minister’s resignation—are addressed.
The Indian government has held an initial round of talks with protest representatives and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening examination procedures. However, student leaders say the measures announced so far are insufficient and have vowed to continue peaceful protests until meaningful action is taken. The movement has now spread beyond Delhi, with solidarity demonstrations reported in several cities across the country.